In childhood I learned to laugh fully.

Joy and sadness come quite naturally.

But I was taught

that crying was not something I should do,

easily.

I’m not sure if it was a male thing,

an American thing or

a family thing.

I do not forgive whomever is to be blamed

for this habit of our society

that teaches young men

that weeping is not allowed.

Last night I cried in my dreams.

I cried so hard that it woke me.

It was a deep soul cleansing relief of a cry.

It felt good.

What’s odd to me is that

it’s only real for me in my dreams.

5/25/95